Tag: bsf lesson 11 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 11, Day 2: Ezra 7:1-10

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 7:1-10

Ezra left Babylon during the reign of Artaxerxes with some of the Israelites back to Jerusalem. He was given everything he needed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 11, Day 2: Ezra 7:1-10

3) Ezra was a priest and expert scribe qualified by his direct lineage and deep personal devotion to God’s Law. The king agreed to his request due to God’s divine influence (“the good hand of his God was upon him”) and a smart political strategy to ensure a peaceful, loyal province. God moved Artaxerxes to be agreeable to Ezra’s request.
4a) Verses 6 and 10
b) God’s people would need a leader and someone who knew God’s Word so that they could reestablish their lives, customs, and traditions.
c) Ezra brought up all kinds of people back to Jerusalem. However, the list reveals Ezra’s priority was legitimate worship. By halting the entire journey to recruit Levites, he showed that having the correct personnel for Temple service was non-negotiable. The detailed census itself served to define and purify the community, laying the foundation for his spiritual reforms.
5) He’s given me this forum to help others. He continues to bless my life as I try to follow Him the best I can.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 11, Day 2: Ezra 7:1-10

I love how Ezra is called and chosen here. We all are, and it’s good to remember this.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 11, Day 2: Ezra 7:1-10

Sixty years passed between Ezra 6 and 7 with not much to-dos.  The book of Esther takes place in this timeframe when Xerxes reigned, who was married to Esther.

  • Ezra 1-6 is the first wave of exiles returning to Jerusalem
  • Ezra 7-10 is the second wave with Ezra himself (around 458 BC)
  • Nehemiah led the third wave

The point of the list of names is to show that Ezra is of the Levite tribe, descended from Aaron, and a rightful priest for the Jews.

Ezra returned during the second phase. He was an expert in God’s law, whose job was to preserve, teach, and observe God’s laws.

The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was about 900 miles.

Ezra’s job was to teach the word of the Lord to the people.

Fun Fact: The Bible has more than 40 human authors.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 7:1-10 introduces the book’s second main figure, Ezra, a priest and expert scribe in the Law of Moses. It establishes his authority through a detailed lineage tracing back to Aaron, the first high priest, and highlights the divine favor upon him, which is key to his mission.

Interpretation

  • Ezra’s Credentials (vv. 1-6): The passage opens by establishing Ezra’s impeccable qualifications. His long genealogy validates his priestly authority, while his description as a scribe “skilled in the Law of Moses” confirms his expertise. He is not just a priest by birth but a scholar by devotion.
  • The Second Return (vv. 7-9): Decades after the initial return under Zerubbabel, Ezra leads a second, smaller group of exiles to Jerusalem. This journey is explicitly successful because “the good hand of his God was upon him.” This phrase underscores a central theme: Ezra’s success is a direct result of divine favor, not just his own skill or royal permission.
  • Ezra’s Motivation (v. 10): This key verse reveals the heart of Ezra’s mission. He had “set his heart” to do three things in order:
    1. To study the Law of the LORD.
    2. To do it (i.e., to live it out personally).
    3. To teach its statutes and rules in Israel. This demonstrates that his purpose was a deep, spiritual revival based on a foundation of personal devotion and scholarly knowledge.

Conclusion

This passage serves as a formal introduction to Ezra, presenting him as the divinely appointed and qualified leader for the next phase of Israel’s restoration. His mission was not to build a physical temple, which was already done, but to rebuild the spiritual and legal foundation of the nation by teaching God’s Law. The success of his journey, attributed to God’s “good hand,” sets the stage for the religious and social reforms he would soon implement.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 11, Day 2: Joel 1:1-2:11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Joel 1:1-2:11

God spoke to Joel about the day of the Lord. On that day, an invasion of locusts that have eaten everything, an army that invades and lays waste to everything, and the fields, grain, and wine are ruined and ground up.  He tells the people to lament and call upon God. For the day will come like destruction. There will be no food. All, even the sheep and cows, will suffer.

On the day of the Lord, an army will come. The day will be black. Fire will devour everything. They will resemble horses making loud noises like chariots. They will rush upon the cities. The earth will shake, the heavens will tremble, the sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars will no longer shine. The Lord thunders at the head of his army. They are mighty and innumerable. The day of the Lord is great and dreadful.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 11, Day 2: Joel 1:1-2:11

3) On the day of the Lord, an invasion of locusts that have eaten everything, an army that invades and lays waste to everything, and the fields, grain, and wine are ruined and ground up.  He tells the people to lament and call upon God. For the day will come like destruction. There will be no food. All, even the sheep and cows, will suffer.

On the day of the Lord, an army will come. The day will be black. Fire will devour everything. They will resemble horses making loud noises like chariots. They will rush upon the cities. The earth will shake, the heavens will tremble, the sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars will no longer shine. The Lord thunders at the head of his army. They are mighty and innumerable. The day of the Lord is great and dreadful.

4) Mankind’s repeated sin and disobedience to God. Bible scholars believe around this time that God was angry with the king and queen at this time.

5) There have been many times of desolation in my life. Where I felt alone and forlorn, helpless and scared. I prayed to God for only He can comfort me and reassure me. I just tried to take it one day at a time and get through day-by-day.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 11, Day 2: Joel 1:1-2:11

Judah’s day of the Lord did not seem fun. While the final day of the Lord may seem scary, and going through it does not seem like fun, what lies on the other side will be worth it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 11, Day 2: Joel 1:1-2:11

Dating when Joel lived and prophesized has been debated amongst Bible scholars because there are no time references in the book. Bible scholars say that Joel was believed to have been a prophet between the ninth century to the third century B.C. His book is the Second book of the Minor Prophets. He was speaking to the kingdom of Judah. He was an early prophet.

Joel was announcing a coming time of famine and ruin to Judah. The people should mourn over this and repent.

In Joel 1, the day of the Lord refers to the present judgment of Judah by God (locusts and drought). This is their punishment.

The ultimate day of the Lord is when Jesus will return to earth, ushering in His kingdom and bringing the final judgment.

Joel 2 describes the coming judgment of Judah — a mighty army and offers a hope of blessing for those who trust God.

Many Bible scholars believe that the judgment that Joel 2 describes did not happen because the people repented under the new king, Joash.

The army was sent by God who controls everything.

Fun Fact: Nearly 1/3 of the book of Joel is quoted by prophets who came after him.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 2: John 7:1-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 7:1-13

Jesus went around Galilee preaching but did not go to Judea because the Jewish leaders were looking to kill him. His brothers urged him to go to the Festival of Tabernacles, but Jesus refused, saying his time had not yet come.

Jesus’ brothers went to the Festival, and Jesus went, too, but in secret. The Jewish leaders were looking for him, and the people were afraid to speak of him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 2: John 7:1-13

3a) Because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him.

b) They wanted Jesus to show his miracles/works to the world because they did not believe in him and wanted additional proof he was the Son of God.

c) Jesus is not in this for the glory, but instead here to do God’s work. His time is not yet come, so he will not seek out fame.

4a) Some defended Jesus; others did not believe in him and said he deceived people. It’s the same today.

b) It’s the same today. Some people believe in Jesus and vouch for their faith. Others don’t and hide.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 2: John 7:1-13

Again, we see Jesus is not here for fame or fortune; he’s here to save, and nothing will stand in the way of his mission. Great example of God’s timing here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 2: John 7:1-13

The Feast of Tabernacles was a time where the Jewish people remembered God’s faithfulness in the wilderness. They camped out in tents.

Jesus’ siblings are mentioned in John 2:12, Matthew 12:46-47, and in Matthew 13:55-56, we meet his sisters.

Jerusalem was the center of Judaism and a big city. Galilee was the countryside, so everyone thought the Messiah would make his presence known in a big way.

Jesus’ brothers do eventually believe in him (Acts 1:14)

Jesus was hated because he was of heaven.

Many people were still wishing for someone to save them from the Romans, not from their sins.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

Psalm 73:24:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

Isaiah 28:23:

Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.

John 10:27:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

3a)

Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-20: God communicates with people through the sights of the universe and his creation

Psalm 119:105; John 17:17: God communicates with people through His Word.

Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:20-21: God communicates with people via his servants the prophets.

Hebrews 1:1-2: God communicates with people through Jesus.

Isaiah 30:21; John 14:26: God communicates with people through the Holy Spirit.

b) I liked John 14:26 because I feel like the Holy Spirit is personalized and speaks to me when I need it the most.

4a) It gives us comfort to know that God is in control, even if we have no understanding of world events, He does.

b) Through Bible Study, prayer, reading His word, and listening for His voice in Nature and within via the Holy Spirit. You have to drown out all the other voices by knowing truth and believing truth only.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Great verses! I love lessons like these where you are comforted by God’s truths and words.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Psalm 73:24:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

We all should expect to be guided by God’s words and wisdom.

Isaiah 28:23:

Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.

We all should listent to hear God’s voice and pay attention to it when we hear it.

John 10:27:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

True believers hear Jesus’s voice and knows it when they do. Then, they respond and follow him.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:35-38

Jesus began travelling through all the towns and villages, preaching the Good News and healing every disease and sickness. Jesus has compassion on the crowds. He told his disciples that they needed more people to preach, so ask the Lord to send out more workers to meet the need.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

3a)  “They were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Basically, they were ignorant of God’s Word and needed to be fed.

b)

Psalm 23:1-3: God is our shepherd, providing us with everything we need. He restores our souls and guides us in righteousness.

Isaiah 53:6: All of us sin, but God leads us back.

Ezekiel 34:5-16: God will be our shepherd and look after us, his flock. He will rescue us and pasture us and gather us. God will bring back the lost, bind up the wounded, and strengthen the weak.

John 10:11-15: Jesus says he is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep, and the sheep know him. He lays down his life for his sheep.

1 Peter 2:24-25: Jesus died for our sins so that we could live. His wounds healed us. We were sheep that had gone astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd.

c) Knowing they all need a Savior. The desire to help in a broken world.

4) There are more needy people than those who can help them, essentially.

5) God is the Lord of the harvest, so the Lord of everything. He is asking for prayer for more followers to preach the Good News.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

I love the shepherd analogy. Shepherds weren’t the highest of classes in ancient times, so when God and Jesus say they are shepherds, they are identifying with us all.

Try this light for better reading during these shorter days!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

We see God as a shepherd all throughout the Bible, beginning  with Jacob (Genesis 48:15) to Revelation 7:17. It was a powerful image for those who were shepherds in ancient times.

The original Greek word for “moved with compassion” is a very strong word that was used for pity.

Jesus is saying that for so long, the people have had no shepherds because the Levite priests were not doing their job and were corrupt themselves. It’s like they had no shepherd. In order to reap the most out of the harvest, workers are needed. We are to be the workers and help those seeking the Lord come to him.

“Send out workers” or thrust them forward in the ancient Greek. We are all to work for God’s kingdom.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 11, Day 2: Genesis 12:1-3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God calls Abram to leave his country (Mesopotamia) for the land He will show Him (Canaan).  God promises Abram to make him into a great nation and He will bless him.  He will bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. ALL people on earth will be blessed through Abram.

Questions:

3)  Country, people, relatives (father’s household) so family.  Basically, everything

4a)  Matthew 4:18-22:  Peter and Andrew left their livelihood (fishing) and James and John left their boat and father (livelihood and family) to follow Jesus when he called. Called to stop whatever you are doing.

Matthew 8:22:  Jesus told one disciple to “let the dead bury their dead”, meaning let the other family members who were not alive in Christ bury his father (verse 21) who just died.

I take this not as callousness of attending a funeral but that Jesus had to attend to the living.  He had more important work for the disciple to do than funeral arrangements that someone else in the family could handle.

Mark 8:34-36:  “He must deny himself, take up the cross, and follow me….loses his life for me.”  You no longer live for yourself but for Jesus.  Deny your desires and embrace His.  Surrender yourself to Christ.

The meaning of cross bearing today is a bit different from Jesus’s time.  If you bore a cross in 1st century AD, you were sentenced to death.  You were dying and there was no going back.  Today it has softened to meaning bearing something irritating like “grin and bear it.”

Jesus meant there is no going back.  Surrender your life COMPLETELY to him.  Not just put up with Jesus.

Luke 14:26-33:  Must “give up everything he has” in order to follow Jesus.  Jesus must come before family members.  Allow nothing to come between us and God.  Even good things such as family.  We must abandon all striving after our own interests–die to self. Be like Jesus.  Not like our sinful self.

1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 2:15-17:  God chose us so we must declare the praises of him to others.  We must do the will of God in our lives and forsake everything in and of the world which will inevitably pass away.

Conclusions:  This lesson reminds me that everything has a cost in this world; nothing is free.  The same with following Jesus.  Once accepted, we are called to more.  Sinful living is no longer acceptable.  Jesus demands a lot from us:  total commitment to him! For he gave himself for us.

God’s will must be first above all else and anyone else.  It’s what He desires for your life not what you desire.  If it’s not for Him, it’s meaningless.  We must yield completely to Him and surrender all self-interest in order to follow Him.  We must think of ourselves as dead, yield our life completely, and place it in God’s hands.

Only then can we live.